Family of punch death victim Wilson Castillo to sue Trademark Hotel’s security company

HE family of Wilson Castillo, killed by a bouncer near the Trademark Hotel, Kings Cross, suing the security company that employed the bouncer.

Wilson Castillo with his wife Raquel / Picture: Supplied

THE family of Wilson Castillo — who was punched and killed by a bouncer near the Trademark Hotel, Kings Cross — is suing the security company that employed the bouncer and seven other ­defendants, including former NRL player John Hopoate.

Widow Raquel Llorente and son Dylan claim Mr Castillo’s death was caused by a wrongful act and those involved — including Marshell Bodyguard and Security, the Trademark Hotel and Hopoate — all had a duty of care towards Mr Castillo, patrons, prospective patrons and members of the public around the hotel.

The matter is listed before the Supreme Court in Sydney this Friday. Hopoate and former Trademark licensee Poata Okeroa are listed as separate defendants.

Hopoate was a responsible service of alcohol ­marshal in the hotel on the night Mr Castillo was killed.

Barrister Julieanne Levick said Hopoate and Okeroa would defend the action.

Marshell Security — which employed bouncer Lynn Matia, who delivered the fatal blow — is accused of breaching its duty of care in a number of areas, including failing to provide proper training and instruction to those people, including Matia, who were providing security services at the hotel.

Mr Castillo, 33, was knocked unconscious on Darlinghurst Rd the week before Christmas 2010 and died two weeks later.

Matia was jailed for a minimum 18 months.

Mr Castillo, his brother Wilmer and others had been turned away from the hotel when Wilmer allegedly brandished a paint scraper.

Security guards, including Matia, followed them. Mr Castillo was punched in the head soon afterwards.

According to documents filed in court, Hopoate is ­accused of failing to carry out his duties as an RSA marshal, as well as failing to properly supervise Trademark staff, including Matia.

Lawyers for Ms Llorente are seeking maximum ­compensation. It is alleged she suffered nightmares, ­depression, panic attacks and social withdrawal as a result of her husband’s death.